FROM left, Helen Gamboa-Sotto, Gloria Romero and Susan Roces
My second mom Amalia “Mama Nena” Fuentes’ intimate birthday celebration at her mansion in New Manila recently was devoid of anything show biz.
Tito Cheng Muhlach organized the get-together and made sure it was strictly for family and close friends.
Since it was Mama Nena’s first birthday after she suffered a stroke late last year, there was a thanksgiving Mass for her second lease on life as she turned 76.
We were all moved when the priest said: “It’s no coincidence that today is the feast day of St. Monica, who is the patroness of mothers. Nena portrayed St. Teresa de Avila.”
Beneath Mama Nena’s tough image is a soft heart. I cannot thank her enough for loving me like her own. Being in her home put me on “senti mode” as I remembered the days I used to sleep over, and my fun escapades with her late daughter Liezl Martinez. It made me miss Liezl all the more.
Aside from the Muhlach clan, other guests were Susan Roces, Gloria Romero, Helen Gamboa-Sotto, Barbara Perez, Ronaldo Valdez, Marichu Maceda, Nestor Cuartero, Elwood Perez and the No. 1 “Amalian,” Joey Perlado.
It was heartwarming to see Tita Susan dote on Mama Nena. The two movie queens who used to be archrivals are still regal and radiant. Tita Gloria said that she’s relieved to see Mama Nena in better shape now.
Niño Muhlach and his son Alonzo livened up the party with their antics, which made Mama Nena smile. Aga Muhlach was the last one to arrive. The birthday girl was in purple, her favorite color.
I could not hold back my tears when I hugged Mama Nena tightly. She held my hand and didn’t want to let go as she squeaked in delight.
The presence of all her loved ones that night served as an adrenaline shot for Mama Nena to speed up her recovery.
OGIE Alcasid (left) with Sen. Grace Poe
Chill night
Ogie Alcasid and Mama Nena share the same birthday (Aug 27). It was a “chill night” held at Ogie and wife Regine Velasquez’s fab home.
Spotted at the dinner party were Derek Ramsay and his girlfriend Joanne Villablanca, John Estrada and Priscilla Meirelles, Noel Cabangon, Rico Blanco, Dingdong Avanzado with wife Jessa Zaragoza and daughter Jayda Avanzado, Jojo and Ana Alejar, Grace Poe and hubby Neil Llamanzares, and Jaya.
The highlight of the night was Ogie’s guided home tour.
We kept teasing Ogie about their elevator. He explained that it’s not a matter of luxury but of necessity. Reg and he had an elevator installed when Reg’s late dad Gerry fell ill.
It is also for the use of Ogie’s parents, so they won’t get tired going up and down the three-story mansion.
He showed us the recording studio, his “man cave” filled with all sorts of equipment, his/hers walk-in cabinet/dressing room, family room adorned with the couple’s countless awards, their bedroom with a terrace where they enjoy bird-watching, their bathroom where Ogie loves to soak in the tub while watching Netflix shows, Nate’s room which is like a mini airport since its full of toy planes and has a wallpaper with a world map design.
Thank you for making me feel so welcome, Ogs and Reg. I took home all the good vibes of that splendid evening.